The Los Angeles Board of Education plans to launch a search for a new Superintendent of Schools for the Los Angeles Unified School District after its members were surprised by Ramon Cortines’ announcement that he plans to retire – again – in six months.

“I commit to continue to work for the good of this district for the next six months and target the instructional technology issues that is so bad for the last several years,” Cortines said on June 23 during a discussion on a new budget, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

“So many issues, so little time, but together we can make progress.”

The unexpected announcement was made several weeks after the school board unanimously voted to extend Cortines’ contract through the end of the upcoming school year. Cortines came out of retirement in October to replace former Superintendent John Deasy. Cortines, who turns 83 in July, has twice before served as LAUSD’s superintendent.

He also served as superintendent of schools in Pasadena, San Francisco, San Jose and as chancellor in New York City from 1993 to 1995. Additionally, he previously worked as an adviser to former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. Board member George McKenna said he doesn’t blame Cortines for wanting to step down.